Yes, I really do have a garden...

Finally, a blooms post.  Everything was so late here.  I'm just getting my June blooms and it is almost July.  Right now I'm on the porch smelling the peonies and lilacs, listening to the bees hum, watching the birds eat from my feeder, and tasting a strong up of coffee.  All is right with the world. 



Just imagine the hum of the bees and smell of the lilac.

This little rose, "Outta the Blue," is right next to the porch where I can smell it.

My absolute favorite flower is the Etain Viola.  They are a struggle to grow, but this one made it through the winter.

My painted daisies look bold.

I am really enjoying the yellow rose and red iris combination.

 It is a grand summer for blooms.

 

Fish feed...



I've been a slow blogger.  Mainly because we have been very busy.  Busy enjoying life.  We own 20 acres of woods.  We are always adding to our little slice of heaven.  A few years ago we cut several trails through our land and added a pond at the very back.  We thought it would be fun to put up some signs.  Ella's Spur and Squatch Lake.  I'm still waiting for Bonnie's Way:) 

We also added some rainbow trout to "Squatch Lake."  I was at work when the fish came and I regret it.  When the guy and Kelly drove down to the pond to unload the fish, they saw 4 little baby mallard ducks swimming around.  There was no momma duck, so the babies weren't afraid while the fish being unloaded.   The fish were acclimating to the water temperature and staying close to the top.  Well, the baby ducks thought the fish looked like food.  Only problem is the fish were nine inches long and the baby ducks were four inches long.  Kelly and the fish guy were wondering what was going to happen if one of those baby ducks got a hold of a big fish.  They never found out.  Momma duck showed up, rounded up her little ones, and waddled off into the woods. 

Anyhow, now we spend our evenings down at "Squatch Lake" feeding the fish.  I can't think of a more enjoyable way to end the day.  They are like little sharks.  It is a feeding frenzy.  I think it is more fun feeding them then catching them.   I tried to get a photo, but they are too fast for me. 



Not only do we enjoy feeding the fish, but we also enjoy listening to the night hawks and watching the dragonflies.  An occasional deer will go by, and the scenery is  so very peaceful.  We haven't seen the ducks or a sasquatch:) 

I know I say it all of the time, but I am the luckiest woman.  I can think of no better way to end the day than feeding the fish next to my wonderful husband.  

What is your little slice of heaven?

Prairie pasture flowers...

I went home for a few days.  Was able to get in some riding and some fishing.  Dad and I also drove around the pastures so I could get pictures.  The last post was abandon homes in the area and somewhat of a sad post.  This one will has a happier theme.  Due to all of the moisture the wildflowers were in full bloom and lots of wildlife activity.  Here a few photos from our prairie safari.


 

Large flowered Penstemon

A mourning dove's nest.

Leadplant


 Wild Roses



A very colorful moth. 

 Orange Globe Flower (I have no idea what it's official name is I couldn't find it in a web search.  I'm sure I haven't found a new plant species.)

 

A last look at the Mighty Missouri.  It is always good to go home.

Abandoned...

 

Something old is new again in the garden...

I had an old clay drain pipe that I have been dying to reuse and finally it came to me.  A butterfly feeder.  I've always wanted to try one. 

Problem is I was afraid using fruit to draw in the butterflies would also attract bees.  I needed to find a spot where I could see what was going on, but where it wouldn't be close to daily coming and goings. 

Then I had an epiphany.  I put the clay pipe in the middle of my strawberry bed, covered the strawberry bed with netting, and filled a bowl with fruit and put it in the pipe.  The bowl will hold the netting in place.  The netting keeps the strawberry bed from becoming a deer buffet line.  Everything is out of way.

I'm pretty happy with the results.  Now I will see if it actually draws butterflies.  Please only look at my creation and not the sad state of my strawberry bed.  Note to self: get more strawberry plants next year.

On another note.  My loving husband put up our windmill.  I have some Scarlet Runner Beans planted below.  Now I can take photos of the cabin an not have to crop that ugly well in the middle of our yard. 

 

 
 

The view from the porch is even better.  It was very soothing to watch it in the wind today.  I hope everyone had as productive weekend as I did. 

 

 

 

I am not a real runner...

I am not a real runner, but yesterday I played one.  My niece, Tricia, and I ran the Deadwood Mickelson Trail 1/2 Marathon.  Thirteen long miles.  Luckily, it was downhill most of the way and the run included incredible scenery.  

Tricia is a real runner.  She is very dedicated and has done 2 other 1/2 marathons along with some other crazy races I've never heard of.  I admire her gusto.  If it hadn't been for her I would have never even considered running a mile, much less a half marathon.  She also did a great job telling me what to expect and making sure I got where we needed to go at 5:30 am (I had no coffee mind you).  Because of her I really enjoyed my first and last 1/2 marathon.

We not only ran the half marathon, but also hosted the whole family for several days.  It increased my respect for parents.  Especially after the marathon, when I went for a walk with little Grady.  Grady isn't very old, but he left me in the dust.   We had a lot of fun with the kids, even when rain forced us all inside for a day.  Mya plays a mean game of 'The Woods are Full of Them." I'm glad the weather warmed up and they were able to enjoy the Black Hills.  Vance even got to pan for gold.  Kelly and Kyle got to talk hunting.  Everybody threw pine cones for Ella.

Oh, how did we do in the race?  Well, Tricia did great and finished with a time of 2 hours and 3 minutes.  Averaging about 9 minutes per mile.   I met my goal and of keeping in the 10 minute mile range (ok 10.52) and finished the race in 2 hours and 22 minutes.  I wasn't first, but I wasn't last either.  I conquered one of my age 40 goals and did so with a great running partner.  Thanks Tricia.